A special experience to enjoy the Japanese Alps in autumn by air!
If you are planning a trip from Hida Takayama to Matsumoto, Shinshu in October, there is one spot you definitely shouldn’t miss– the Shin Hotaka Ropeway. The Shin Hotaka Ropeway is the most popular ropeway in Japan.
The second half of the Shin Hotaka Ropeway operates the only double-decker gondola in all of Japan. It’s a special experience where you can enjoy the magnificent view of the 3,000-meter-high Japanese Alps from the air.
The view from here was awarded two stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan.
Autumn offers the most beautiful scenery of the year. Located at an elevation of 2,156 meters, the Nishi-Hotakaguchi Station observation platform offers a panoramic view of the Japanese Alps in the brilliant red and golden colors of the autumn leaves.
As the trail rises more than 1,000 meters in elevation from the foot of the mountain to the summit, visitors can enjoy the changes in autumn foliage at different elevation zones. This is a must-visit spot in autumn, where you can enjoy both a breathtaking photo-worthy view and Japanese autumn foliage viewing at the same time.
Limited to October 8th, 2025! [Special bus tour offers!]
Takayama Departure – Matsumoto (one way) via
[a limited time] Bus Tour
Fee: 5,000 yen (with a box lunch)
If you participate in this bus tour, you will be:
-Free from transferring baggage
-Free of complicated transfers
-Free of stressful timely arrangements
This special limited bus tour will save you 4,710 yen in transportation costs alone and also includes admission fees!
This tour includes a round-trip ticket for the Shin Hotaka Ropeway!
The Shin Hotaka Ropeway, which offers spectacular views of the Northern Alps, is available at no extra charge.
Limited number of people! First-come, first-served.
A trip with a spectacular view starting at the morning market in Takayama
Takayama Morning Market, one of the three major morning markets in Japan
Start your trip with the Takayama morning market. Known as one of the three major morning markets in Japan, the Takayama morning market is a great place to enjoy fresh local finger foods, crafts, and local produce. Taking in the crisp morning air and leisurely browsing the stalls makes for a wonderful start to experiencing traditional Hida life.
Access to Shin Hotaka Ropeway from Takayama
After enjoying the morning market, head to the Shin Hotaka Ropeway from the Takayama Bus Center.
A direct bus service runs to the Shin Hotaka Onsen Station of the first Shin Hotaka Ropeway, arriving at the site in approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Traffic information:
- Travel time: approx. 1 hr. 40 min.
- Fare: 2,200 yen
- Timetable & Details
Important Note: Due to the extremely crowded fall foliage season, it is strongly recommended to arrive early at the Alpine Bus Center to get in line.
Aerial views on the Shin Hotaka Ropeway
The second part of the Shin Hotaka Ropeway operates the only double-decker gondola in Japan, offering a special experience to enjoy the magnificent view of the 3,000-meter-high Northern Alps from the air. The view from the Nishi-Hotakaguchi Station observation platform at the summit station is breathtaking.
The view from here was awarded two stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan.
Ropeway information:
- Round-trip fare: 3,800 yen
- Official Site
[Attention]
If you come by bus, please leave your large luggage in the coin locker at Shin Hotaka Onsen Station.
The ropeway requires an extra charge for luggage over 6 kg. Luggage tickets are 1,000 yen/piece for round trip.
Since the capacity of the ropeway No. 1 is small (45 passengers), it may take some time to get on the ropeway when it is crowded.
We recommend that you drive to the Shirakabadaira parking lot at the second ropeway stop.
If you use the local bus, only Shin Hotaka Onsen Station of Daiichi Ropeway is available.
There is also a bus tour to Shirakaba-daira, the second ropeway stop, by chartered bus.
Route to Matsumoto
After enjoying the spectacular autumn scenery of the Japanese Alps, head to Matsumoto, a city of history and culture. For transportation, you will need to change buses at the Hirayu Bus Terminal.
Travel Routes and Fees
- Shin Hotaka Ropeway (Shin Hotaka Onsen Station) → Hirayu Bus Terminal
- Fare: 910 yen
- Hirayu Bus Terminal → Matsumoto Bus Terminal
- Fare: 2,800 yen
- Reservations required (must be made in advance)
- Details & Reservations
Total cost of taking public transportation on your own
- Takayama Bus Center → Shin Hotaka Ropeway (Shin Hotaka Onsen Station): 2,200 yen
- Shin Hotaka Ropeway (Ropeway 1 + Ropeway 2) round trip: 3,800 yen
- Shin Hotaka Ropeway (Shin Hotaka Onsen Station) → Hirayu Bus Terminal: 910 yen
- Hirayu Bus Terminal → Matsumoto Bus Terminal: 2,800 yen * Reservations required
Total travel expenses: 9,710 yen
If you bring luggage weighing 6 kg or more onto the ropeway, you will be charged a luggage ticket (1,000 yen per piece) or a coin locker fee.
Limited to October 8th, 2025! [Special bus tour offers!]
Departure from Takayama – Matsumoto (one way)
by a limited Bus Tour
If you participate in this bus tour, you will be:
–Free from transferring baggage
-Free of complicated transfers
-Free of stressful timely arrangements
This special limited bus tour saves you 4,710 yen in transportation costs alone and also includes admission fees!
Tour Overview:
- Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 (day trip)
- Route: Takayama → Shin Hotaka Ropeway (second ropeway) → Matsumoto
- Fee: 5,000 yen (with a box lunch)
**Save 4,710 yen in transportation costs alone compared to individual travel!
Furthermore, a boxed lunch and Matsumoto Castle admission fee* are also included!
* Same-day ticket for admission to Matsumoto Castle by yourself is 1,300 yen.
Included in the tour:
- Charter bus fare
- Guide fee
- Shin Hotaka Ropeway (Second Ropeway) round trip ticket
- Lunch (Bento)
- Matsumoto Castle Entrance Fee
- Various toll road and parking fees
With this tour, you can enjoy the attractions of both cities efficiently without having to worry about complicated transfers and reservations, while leaving your luggage in the chartered bus.
In addition, you will be accompanied by a professional guide to learn more about the history and culture of each region.
Limited number of people! First-come, first-served.
Summary
A trip from Takayama to Matsumoto is a special route that allows you to fully appreciate the beauty of autumn in Japan. The aerial walk on the Shin Hotaka ropeway will surely be an unforgettable experience. You can take your time and enjoy your trip on your own, or you can take a budget bus tour for a more efficient tour. You can take your time and enjoy this wonderful autumn scenic route according to your travel style.
Please come and see the carpet of autumn leaves woven by the Japanese Alps in autumn with your own eyes. You will surely be captivated by the beauty of Japanese nature!
Google Map (Takayama – Shin Hotaka Ropeway – Matsumoto) Location
Google Map (Takayama Station→Shin Hotaka Ropeway)
Google Map (Shin Hotaka Lowway→Hirayu Bus Terminal)
Google Map (Hirayu Bus Terminal→Matsumoto Bus Terminal)
Limited to October 8th, 2025! Special bus tour offers!
Takayama Departure – Matsumoto (one way) Bus Tour
Enjoy Takayama, Shin Hotaka Ropeway, and Matsumoto Castle, with lunch, transportation, and admission fees included!
**Save 4,710 yen in transportation costs alone by going via this tour!
